Isabella Carter
The Oklahoma Constitution is the governing document of the State of Oklahoma, which was ratified in 1907 along with the US Constitution. While the Oklahoma Constitution is unique to the state, it was influenced by the US Constitution, as well as other state constitutions and the proceedings of the Sequoyah Convention. The Oklahoma Constitution has since been amended over 150 times, reflecting the state's commitment to evolving governance. This essay will explore the similarities and differences between the Oklahoma Constitution and the US Constitution, analyzing key provisions and their impact on the state's laws and principles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of adoption | Oklahoma Constitution: November 16, 1907 |
| US Constitution: Ratified June 21, 1788 | |
| Length | Oklahoma Constitution: Over 150 amendments |
| US Constitution: 7 Articles and 27 Amendments | |
| Influence | Oklahoma Constitution: Influenced by the US Constitution, and other state constitutions |
| US Constitution: Influenced by other state constitutions | |
| Powers | Oklahoma Constitution: Recognises the US Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Land |
| US Constitution: N/A | |
| Separation of Powers | Oklahoma Constitution: Recognises the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial |
| US Constitution: Recognises the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial | |
| Court System | Oklahoma Constitution: Establishes two courts of last resort, with power vested in the Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals |
| US Constitution: Establishes one court of last resort, with power vested in the Supreme Court | |
| Impeachment | Oklahoma Constitution: Establishes the Oklahoma Court of Impeachment, which can remove all elected officials from office |
| US Constitution: Establishes an impeachment process for the President, Vice President, and other civil officers | |
| Suffrage | Oklahoma Constitution: Sets the voting age at 18, with a State Elector Board to supervise elections |
| US Constitution: Sets the voting age at 18, with each state determining the "time, place and manner" of elections |
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What You'll Learn
- The Oklahoma Constitution was influenced by the US Constitution
- The Oklahoma Constitution is not the same as the US Constitution
- The US Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land
- The Oklahoma Constitution includes provisions for religious freedom and suffrage
- The Oklahoma Constitution establishes a state government with three separate branches
The Oklahoma Constitution was influenced by the US Constitution
The Oklahoma Constitution establishes the state's relationship with the US federal government, affirming that the US Constitution is the "Supreme Law of the Land". It also recognises the state as a part of the Union, acknowledging the notion of federalism. The Oklahoma Constitution guarantees religious freedom, forbids polygamy, and establishes public schools, which are to be taught in English. It also ensures that suffrage cannot be revoked due to "race, colour, or previous condition of servitude".
The Oklahoma Constitution establishes the rights of all citizens of the state, including the right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their industry. It also guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, bans interference with suffrage, and defines treason. The constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman and establishes a system of government based on the separation of powers, with legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The constitution provides for the election of judges and stipulates that juries of fewer than twelve members can be used in some cases. It also includes progressive provisions, such as allowing voters to initiate and approve amendments, and permitting the initiative and referendum. The Oklahoma Constitution has continued to evolve, with over 150 amendments approved by voters, reflecting a commitment to improving governance.
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The Oklahoma Constitution is not the same as the US Constitution
The Oklahoma Constitution was drafted by delegates from Oklahoma and Indian territories, with guidance from William Jennings Bryan, who encouraged them to create "the very best constitution ever written". Bryan advised the delegates to consult existing state constitutions, the proceedings of the Sequoyah Convention, and the US Constitution. The resulting document included progressive provisions and a recognition of the importance of separation of powers, establishing the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
One notable difference between the two constitutions is that the Oklahoma Constitution provides for the impeachment and removal from office of all state elected officials, including Supreme Court Justices, for various forms of misconduct. It also establishes a unique court system with two courts of last resort, vesting judicial power in multiple courts and granting the Legislature the power to dissolve any court except the Supreme Court.
Another key distinction is the Oklahoma Constitution's focus on suffrage and elections. It establishes the qualifications for electors, requiring them to be registered and 18 years of age, and guarantees free and equal elections, protecting the right to suffrage from interference by civil or military powers. The constitution also outlines the role of a State Elector Board in supervising elections.
The Oklahoma Constitution has evolved since its adoption, with over 150 amendments approved by voters. This reflects the state's ongoing commitment to adapting and improving its governance. In summary, while both documents share similarities and the Oklahoma Constitution was influenced by the US Constitution, they are distinct and serve different purposes, with the Oklahoma Constitution being a comprehensive governing document for the state.
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The US Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land
The US Constitution served as a model for the Oklahoma Constitution, along with the constitutions of other states. The delegates who drafted the Oklahoma Constitution were encouraged to create a document that was innovative and progressive. They achieved this by consulting various sources and recognising the importance of the separation of powers. The Oklahoma Constitution establishes the state's relationship with the US federal government and affirms the US Constitution's supremacy.
Article One of the Oklahoma Constitution explicitly acknowledges the US Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Land. This article also establishes religious freedom, forbids polygamy, addresses the acquisition of debts, mandates that public schools use English as the language of instruction, and guarantees suffrage regardless of race, colour, or previous servitude.
The Oklahoma Constitution has unique features, such as its court system described in Article Seven. It establishes two courts of last resort, with judicial power vested in a Supreme Court, a Court of Criminal Appeals, and various other courts as deemed necessary by the Legislature. The Legislature has the power to dissolve any court except the Supreme Court, and all civil and criminal judgments are reviewable by the respective appellate courts.
The Oklahoma Constitution also outlines the rights of its citizens in Article Two, including the inherent rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their industry. It guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, bans interference with suffrage, defines treason, and ensures the right to a trial by jury. Additionally, it defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
The US Constitution, being the Supreme Law of the Land, sets the framework for the relationship between the federal government and the states. It establishes the fundamental laws and principles that govern the United States, and all state constitutions, including Oklahoma's, must align with its provisions.
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The Oklahoma Constitution includes provisions for religious freedom and suffrage
The Oklahoma Constitution is the state constitution of Oklahoma. It was adopted in 1907 and has been amended 205 times since then. The constitution outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as individual and civil rights.
Article One of the Oklahoma Constitution establishes the state's relationship with the United States federal government, stating that the US Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land. This article also guarantees religious freedom, forbids polygamy, and establishes public schools, which are to be taught in English only. Additionally, it ensures that suffrage cannot be revoked due to "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
The Oklahoma Constitution also includes provisions for suffrage. Article Three of the constitution is entitled "Suffrage" and consists of seven sections, two of which have been repealed. This article establishes that all people of the age of 18 are qualified electors in the state. It also emphasizes the importance of free and equal elections, stating that no power shall interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. The right to vote in Oklahoma is protected, and electors cannot be arrested while attending or travelling to and from elections, except in cases of treason.
The movement for women's suffrage in Oklahoma began as early as 1890, with the efforts of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In 1917, the state legislature passed a resolution authorizing a referendum on universal woman suffrage, and on November 5, 1918, Oklahoma voters ratified a universal woman suffrage amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution.
In summary, the Oklahoma Constitution includes provisions for both religious freedom and suffrage, guaranteeing the rights of its citizens and ensuring free and fair elections.
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The Oklahoma Constitution establishes a state government with three separate branches
The constitution was drafted by delegates from Oklahoma and Indian territories, with additional representation from the Osage Nation, who convened in a Constitutional Convention in 1906. The drafters consulted various state constitutions, the proceedings of the Sequoyah Convention, and the U.S. Constitution. They aimed to create a document that incorporated progressive provisions while also recognizing the importance of separation of powers.
The Oklahoma Constitution was ratified on November 16, 1907, when Oklahoma became the 46th state to join the United States. At the time of its ratification, it was the longest governing document in the nation, with over 150 amendments approved by Oklahoma voters since then.
The Legislative Branch, as established by the Oklahoma Constitution, includes provisions for suffrage and elections. It outlines the qualifications for electors, the role of a State Elector Board, and the requirements for free and equal elections.
The Executive Branch is not explicitly mentioned in the Oklahoma Constitution, but it is implied through the recognition of the state's governor and other executive positions.
The Judicial Branch, outlined in Article VII, establishes a unique court system with two courts of last resort, vesting judicial power in a Supreme Court, a Court of Criminal Appeals, and various other courts. It also creates the Oklahoma Court of Impeachment and the Oklahoma Court on the Judiciary, charged with removing elected officials and reviewing justices and judges, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they are not the same. The Oklahoma Constitution was written by delegates who were advised to consult the US Constitution, along with other state constitutions and the proceedings of the Sequoyah Convention. The Oklahoma Constitution was ratified on November 16, 1907, along with the US Constitution, making Oklahoma the 46th state to join the United States.
The Oklahoma Constitution establishes how the state relates to the US federal government, recognising it as part of the Union. It also outlines the rights of its citizens, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The document establishes a unique court system, with two courts of last resort, and outlines the powers of the Government of Oklahoma.
A simple majority vote is required in the legislative session for the Oklahoma State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This means a minimum of 51 votes in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Oklahoma State Senate. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. Voters can also initiate and approve amendments, making Oklahoma one of the few states to allow this method.
According to the Oklahoma Constitution, a question about holding a state constitutional convention automatically appears on the state's ballot every 20 years. However, the last time this question was voted on was in 1970.
